How did your journey in photography begin?
It all started when I was in school and my father handed me his old camera while cleaning his almirah. It was an Ops Yashika reel film point-and-shoot camera, and I still have it today, still working! That camera brought back countless memories from my childhood, and it pushed me to build my own name in this industry. That simple device sparked a passion that has only grown stronger over the years.
What was the first photo you ever took that made you feel proud?
My 16th birthday gift—a simple digicam—was what I used to capture a frame showcasing the simple, rustic, and incredibly beautiful living standards of people in the mountains. The amazing makeshift equipment they rely on told a story of resilience and simplicity. That was my first picture that won rewards and made me truly proud.
How has your photography experience evolved over the years?
I started my journey with point-and-shoot cameras and simple digicams, then moved up to DSLRs and more advanced gear. Each step taught me something new about light, composition, and the art of capturing moments. The evolution has been both technical and emotional, deepening my appreciation for the craft.
What inspires you to capture abstract or wildlife subjects?
Sheer beauty in simplicity and how this earth and everything in it was made so beautifully—something as complex as a body functions so simply. That inspires me more and more to capture in natural light and photograph wildlife or nature. There's a profound elegance in the way nature operates, and I strive to reflect that in my work.
Tell us about an abstract photo that represents your unique style.
Nature is colorful and vibrant, but the only creature that has the capability to control it and make it even more beautiful is us. That's why this shot is worth clicking—it captures the interplay between natural beauty and human influence.
What makes a particular nature or wildlife photo special to you?
The frame itself holds the creativity and a sheer calming effect. A photo isn't just a memory; it's a story to be relived by anyone who sees it. Everyone can correlate their own story with a single frame, creating a resemblance that keeps the image intact in their minds. That's what makes these shots special to me.
Walk us through an automobile photo that showcases your skills.
Automobiles are a separate emotion—the crisp lines, the sharp details, and the sheer combination of emotions and mechanics blended to give that piece of metal a character of its own, defined by its strengths and driven by the burning of fuel. That's what these images depict: the soul of the machine.
What story does your portfolio photo convey?
The story is simple: it's travel and nature in their entirety that fuel my expedition, which in turn brings out the shots I deliver. Each image is a chapter of that ongoing journey.
What editing technique did you use in that before-and-after?
Imagination and element blending—I start with a simple mood board of what I wish to create and do a quick research of what I have and what I need to compile. It's about envisioning the final result and then bringing it to life through careful editing.
What's your favorite piece of equipment in your gear?
My camera, the Nikon D5600 with its kit lens Nikkor 70-300mm. I guess I don't need anything else, as this is the most versatile, easy to carry, quick to maintain, and fairly easy to handle. It's become an extension of my vision.
Contact and Follow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_.s._.shukla._?igsh=MWt5ZmJ5ejZ2MHE5Nw==
Email: shuklasankalp62@gmail.com
